City outlines July transition to microtransit model; dial‑a‑ride and subsidized passes to continue

City staff told the Springfield City Commission they are negotiating a contract with a new provider and are working to move the city's public transit service toward a microtransit model, with a hoped transition beginning July 1 and an overlap period if possible.

City Manager Brian Heck (speaking for staff) said most transit funding comes from Federal Transit Administration dollars and that those grant programs are often prescriptive. He described microtransit as “a more direct service for our residents” and said staff hoped for a July 1 start date if contract details are finalized. He said the city will notify existing riders and community partners through social media, the newspaper and public meetings, and that staff will continue to offer dial‑a‑ride services intended for riders with disabilities.

Heck said current partnerships — including the VA distribution of bus passes — would continue under the new model and that schools or other organizations could still buy bulk or subsidized passes. Deputy Director Jason Vai has begun community outreach at senior centers and other locations; staff invited community groups to request presentations. Several public commenters asked for clarity on how and when riders would be notified and whether existing services would stop; staff said they would answer questions after the public comment period and schedule community meetings focused on transit.